Deignan gets into shape

Cycling ColumnWith just over five weeks until he makes his professional debut, Irish rider Philip Deignan has expressed his satisfaction with the Ag2R team and his physical condition. The 21-year-old recently spent time with the French squad at their first training camp.

"The camp was in Villeneuve-sur-Lot and went well," he said this week. "The (training) spins ranged from 90 kilometres to 180 kilometres a day but things were very relaxed. There was a good atmosphere, and it was great to meet the other riders who will be on the team in 2005."

Tour de France finisher Mark Scanlon also took part in the camp, the Sligoman making his return to full training after a recent spell of knee trouble.

Deignan is pleased with his form, saying: "I was pretty happy with how things went," he says. "I am about four kilos lighter than I was this time last year. I took it easy in October to recover from the season but still turned my legs a bit, getting out on the bike. I watched what I ate and feel pretty good. I want to have a decent start to the year."

Deignan's first race will be in the GP d'Ouverture La Marseillaise on February 1st but he has a chance to test his legs in the Rás an Turcaí in Carraroe, Co Galway, next Tuesday.

The race sees its strongest-ever line-up with Deignan, Scanlon, former world number one Seán Kelly, 2003 winner Ciarán Power, David O'Loughlin, Denis Lynch, Páidí O'Brien and double FBD Milk Rás winner Philip Cassidy among those due to take part in the 60-kilometre, six-lap event.

The 10-kilometre circuit will take the riders through the heart of Connemara, passing through Loch an Mhuillinn, Doire Fheárta, Loch Ghleann an Fhir Mhairbh and other areas. The first two laps will be ridden at a neutralised pace, enabling people of all ages and fitness levels to pedal alongside the top names in Irish cycling.

In all there will be six categories competing for prizes; racing, non-racing, touring, veteran, ladies and junior. Entry forms, accommodation information and further details are available at 087 2572597.